Daren Ulmer, co-founder and creative executive at Medici XD, the Nashville-based experience development company, is a visionary leader, who has created some of the most impactful, innovative, and immersive entertainment and attractions in the industry.
Ulmer has had a long and successful career in themed entertainment. He is the founder and chief creative officer of Mousetrappe Studio, a multimedia production house that develops and produces immersive media-based entertainment content. The team has worked on shows, spectaculars, immersive films and live events for leading theme parks, museums, events, IPs and more. Before this venture, he spent a decade at The Walt Disney Company, firstly as a producer working on creating unique educational programs based on entertainment, music, and the arts, and then as the manager of Disney’s music department. During this time, he was involved in technical and creative development for Light Magic, Fantasmic! at Disney MGM Studios, Florida, the Mulan Parade for Disneyland and Disney-MGM Studios, Small World Holiday at Disneyland and more.
Ulmer has also revolutionized cultural and museum experiences through immersive and emotionally engaging shows such as Beyond All Boundaries and Expressions of America at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and Space Shuttle Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Speaking to blooloop in 2021 about the creation of Medici XD, he said:
“We lean heavily into a ‘Collaborate-Design-Build’ model,” says Ulmer. “Our expertise in the development of experience content, tools and platforms can facilitate – and even drive forward – the creative process. It can also massively streamline production and installation. We seek to provide greater access to the next generation of ideas and technologies while helping clients and partners to avoid costly iterations and pitfalls.”
His contribution to the advancement of immersive experiences continues with his co-founding of Allureum, an owner-operator company creating multiple elevated location-based entertainment concepts.